Cathey Diane Shannon

She was born on April 1, 1960, to Charles (Jack) Carpenter and Charlotte Anne Schneider in Oklahoma City. Cathey grew up in Warr Acres with her mom and dad, then mom and stepdad, Tom, before moving to Yukon in her teens. Throughout her adult life, she was a long-time employee of Quality Pets and later she made a move to Oklahoma City Public Schools where she worked in the Child Nutrition department. She loved her job and the friends she made in the twelve years she was there.

At the age of 22, she married the greatest love of her life, Shawn, at Village Baptist Church on August 28, 1982. They loved to travel, spend time with their family and friends, and spend time at the lake when they could. One of their favorite things to do together was feed and watch all of the “critters” that would come to their patio at night; skunks, raccoons, possums, and foxes. They found so much joy in that. They had two children, Shaena and Shane, and Cathey loved being their mom!

When her grandkids were born she became “Mimi”, that was a job she took seriously. Her grandkids were her world. Cathey was always planning sleepovers, crafts, outings, or just playing in the yard and holidays were always an event!

Cathey loved holidays. Christmas was her favorite. Her kids would complain every year and tell her, “Do NOT buy any more gifts,” because 30 each was plenty! She was selfless that way and loved doing for others.

The best example of her selflessness a lot of you may not know. In 1977, Cathey became pregnant at the age of 16. With the support of her family, she temporarily moved to Texas and stayed at the Edna Gladney Center for adoption. She knew that in order for the baby to have the best chance at life, adoption was the best option. In October of that year at the age of 17 years old, she gave birth to a baby girl. Later in 2002, she received a letter from the adoption agency asking her to update her information. Little did she know, her daughter was wanting to reconnect with her. After a long process with the adoption agency, they were finally able to reconnect 25 years later. In October of 2002, Cathey and her family drove eight hours to Edna, Texas to meet her daughter and she has become a blessing to their family ever since. Because of Cathey’s sacrifice, DeeAnn grew up with a wonderful family, married her husband Chris, and went on to have two babies of her own, Jillian and Juddson. Cathey loved their visits together, watching them grow up and having two more grandkids to love. I don’t think there is a more kind, selfless act than what she sacrificed for someone else. This was just one of the many ways she showed what a kind, loving, and selfless person she truly was.

Cathey loved animals especially her dog, Koda. Her kids would often joke that he was the favorite child. She loved music, 70s was her favorite. If there was a good tune on you can bet that she was dancing or singing along. She also loved to fish or do anything outside if it was warm. More than anything Cathey loved her family.

Cathey is preceded in death by her parents, Charles (Jack) Carpenter and Charlotte Ann Schneider, and her sister Connie Spencer.

She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Shawn Shannon of Choctaw, OK; daughter Shaena Balderas and husband Josh of Newalla, OK; son Shane Shannon of Bethel, OK; and daughter DeeAnn Tindell and husband Chris of Edna, TX; and seven grandkids Kaiden, Rylan, Blakely, Payten, Shylah, Jillian, and Juddson; and her first great grandbaby coming August 2024.

A come-and-go visitation for Cathey will be held Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Baggerley Funeral Home, 930 S. Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034. A funeral service will occur Friday, January 19, 2024, at 2:00 PM at the Baggerley Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, 13400 N Kelley Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73131.